Hi, I'm Elise

I was a college athlete. I'm getting a doctorate in physical therapy because I love helping people. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up in California. I love bodysurfing and searching for shells along the beach. At the age of 5, I began swimming competitively and recently reached my goal of swimming for four years on the collegiate level. I also love music, and participated in band and choral groups throughout high school and college. I play the piano, organ, and alto saxophone. My freshman year of college, I met the man that I would eventually marry. We dated for over a year before he left to serve a mission for the church. We wrote letters over those two years, and actually grew emotionally closer through that experience. In that time away from him, I was the captain of the swim team for two years and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, with a minor in music. I also applied and was accepted into a physical therapy program. Currently, I have been married for a little over a year and work at a local health club teaching swim lessons and coaching a swim team while continuing to pursue my degree.

Why I am a Mormon

My mom and dad were both converts to the church and took us to church every Sunday. I cannot remember when I first gained a knowledge for myself of the truthfulness of the gospel, but in my teenage years, I know I made conscious decisions that would change my life. I came to understand that the principles of the gospel were true and that by following the counsel of the scriptures, modern prophets, and my parents, that my life would ultimately be filled with happiness instead of heartache and disappointment. Difficult situations still confront me, but with the knowledge that I have a Heavenly Father that loves me, that Jesus Christ suffered and died not only to wash away my sins, but to experience every emotion I could be feeling, I know that I am not alone in this life, and that I can rely on Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost to comfort me and help me along. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that he saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, and that he translated the gold plates which became the Book of Mormon. I know the Book of Mormon is true, and was written for our day, to help us through every day life and to give us another testament that Jesus is the Christ. I know that our modern prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson, is called of God, to give us the guidance that we need in the confusion of the modern world. I know that families are ordained of God, and that I can be with my family forever, in this life and the next, if we strive together to live the commandments of God. As I see some of my friends from high school struggle through life, I recognize the hand of the Lord in my life, and that by setting guidelines to follow, he led me in the right direction, and saved me from a lot of poor decisions, destructive behaviors, and the consequences that come through those decisions and behaviors. I love my Savior and I am happy.

Personal Stories

Can you think of a specific challenge in your family that Gospel Principles helped overcome?

When I was a senior in high school, my grandmother and uncle passed away in the same week from completely different causes. My grandmother died of a heart attack, while my uncle passed after a long battle with lymphoma, at the age of 36. He had 2 very young children and a wonderful wife. For a long time, I personally had problems with the concept of death, especially when it struck the young whom, in my mind, had much of their life left to live. At this time, I was grateful for the doctrines of the church, and that I knew where my family members went after they died. In time, I also learned during my scripture study that I was not in charge of these family member's life plans. By trusting God and His purposes, I was comforted to know that He was in control, and that I could rely on Him.

How I live my faith

Everyday, I try to read from the scriptures. Right now, my husband and I are studying the Old Testament. I pray to God for guidance and help with exams in school and for the Spirit of the Lord to be with me always, everyday. My husband and I attend church, where he is a leader in the men's organization and I work with a young woman with special needs, helping adapt activities and lessons to her level of understanding. I try to recognize the hand of the Lord in my life and the amazing blessings he has given me. I attend the temple at least once a month to worship and learn. Lastly, I strive to be my best self, and obey the commandments that have been set forth to follow.

What is the role of the husband and the wife in the family?

Elise answered...

The husband and wife in the family are equal partners in all decisions and in the workings of the family. The husband is generally responsible to provide for the family through working and earning a living. The wife is generally responsible for the nurturing and teaching of the children of the family. I believe that these are roles for which men and women have been blessed with unique attributes to make us good at our individual roles. However, not all families in the church are structured this way. Due to economic circumstances, many wives work outside of the home to help provide for the family. I, personally, decided to continue my education so that I can help contribute to the family financially at times throughout my life.
Jocelyn answered...

The role of husband and wife in the family is to first and foremost love each other! Wow, revolutionary!!!
I have found that when there is love and complete commitment between my husband and I, there is no problem that we cannot face together. It is much easier to teach the children with love and to handle life's challenges.
My husband and I are equals. I feel loved, respected, and appreciated by him. I hope he feels the same things from me.

What is done with the tithing that Mormons pay?

April answered...

Tithing is paid in faith. I know these funds will not be misused. I pay tithing because it is a commandment, and because I love God and want to give Him back a small porion of what He has given me, to futher build up His church. These funds go to build and maintain church buildings and temples and other like expenses. Our clergy is not paid. There is no collection plate. We simply pay our tithing, our fast offerings, we share what we have gladly. This is God's way. For this is God's church.